Louisiana House Bill HB401

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/12
• Refer: 3/12/12
• Report Pass: 4/4/12
• Engrossed: 4/16/12
• Refer: 4/17/12
• Report Pass: 4/30/12
• Enrolled: 5/8/12
• Chaptered: 5/11/12
• Passed: 5/11/12

Caption

Provides relative to the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission's powers to manage and control the taking of shrimp including bait shrimp

Impact

The implications of HB401 are significant for state law, as it centralizes authority regarding shrimp management within the LWFC. By enabling the commission to decide on the seasons and regulations surrounding bait shrimp permits, the bill streamlines operations and potentially reduces challenges associated with overfishing. This legislation is expected to enhance the ecological health of marine resources and promote responsible fishing practices, which could benefit both the fishing community and the overall marine environment in Louisiana.

Summary

House Bill 401 aims to provide the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC) with enhanced authority in managing and regulating the shrimp industry, specifically concerning the taking of shrimp and bait shrimp. This bill amends existing regulations to give the commission the discretion to set shrimp seasons, including those for bait shrimp, following biological and technical assessments. This change is intended to improve the management of shrimp populations, ensuring sustainable practices within the fishing industry, and address the specific needs of local fisheries.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB401 appears generally positive, particularly among stakeholders within the fishing industry. Proponents argue that the enhanced regulatory powers will lead to better management of shrimp stocks, which is essential for the sustainability of the industry. However, there could also be some concerns among small bait dealers who rely on open access to bait shrimp during closed seasons, as the new regulations may impact their operations. Overall, the sentiment reflects a balance between the need for regulation and the desire for economic opportunity.

Contention

One notable point of contention may arise from the balance between regulation and economic freedom for local fishermen and bait dealers. While the bill promotes sustainability, stakeholders in the fishing industry might express concerns about how these regulations affect their livelihoods. Moreover, there could be debates surrounding the fees for annual special bait dealers' permits, which are set at one hundred ten dollars. The underlying discussions may focus on ensuring that regulations do not excessively burden small operators while still protecting marine resources effectively.